Open House Etiquette: What you should (and should not!) do

House hunting is an exciting experience. Open house-ing has become a hobby for avid real estate watchers and nosey neighbours. To the serious buyers out there, an open house represents a potential investment and a place to plant roots. But before you let your emotions get the best of you, keep these open house rules in mind. Remember that until closing, you’re a guest in someone else’s home. Treat it with the same respect you’d expect your own home.

Tips for Open House Season

Open house doesn’t mean all-access.

If you come across rooms with closed doors, always check with the listing agent before entering. You’re there to tour the home and yes, that includes the closets, cabinets and cupboards. Before you open, ask.

Wait your turn.

Warm weather, “hot” neighbourhoods and Open House signs are a recipe for market activity. If someone’s in a room, allow them the chance to tour and exit before you pile in. Get in, take a look around, and get out.

Photo opp!

Always ask permission before shooting photos or video at an open house. This is still someone else’s home, so respect their privacy. If you’ve been given the green light to take photos, snap away. But remember, these are for personal reference only.

Stay off the furniture.

You’re there to tour the home, not take five on the couch. Some homes have been staged with rented or even “fake” furniture, for appearance’s sake. ” Unless you’ve been expressly invited to sit, don’t.

Take your critiques outside.

There will likely be things you like and dislike about the house. That goes without saying. What should also go without saying, is criticism. Remember, this is still someone’s home and you don’t want to risk offending anyone – especially if you’re interested in making an offer. You never know who’s listening.

Be polite.

“Please,” “thank you,” “hello,” and “good-bye” goes a long way. At the end of it all, follow the Golden Rule – treat others (and their homes!) the way you’d want to be treated.

PR & Content Manager
RE/MAX INTEGRA, Ontario-Atlantic Canada

Lydia McNutt is an award-winning writer and editor, who’s interest in real estate, creative flair and love of the written word have brought her to RE/MAX. As Manager of Public Relations and Content at RE/MAX, Lydia is responsible for the creation and curation of content that informs homebuyers and sellers, and empowers them on their journey. Lydia executes on RE/MAX’s public relations, communications and social media strategies, which includes developing reports, featured content and the consumer-facing blog at remax.ca. Lydia has been published nationally, on topics ranging from real estate, decor and design, to finance, business, technology, entertainment and lifestyle.

When she’s not head-down at her writing desk, Lydia is blissfully “momming it up” in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her husband, two kids and their chocolate lab, Betty. Email Lydia at lmcnutt@remaxintegra.com.

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